Jeremy Clarkson, the suspended presenter of the BBC's popular Top Gear television program, says an expletive-laden criticism of his former employer at a charity event in London last week was "in jest".

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is shown a red card by referee Martin Atkinsonin the first minute of the second half, after coming on as substitute at half-time in the English Premier League football match against Manchester United at Anfield on March 22, 2015.

Olivier Giroud of Arsenal celebrates scoring his second goal with Francis Coquelin during the Premier League match against Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park on March 21, 2015 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Alan Rickman is famed for his versatility, playing romantic leads, comedy characters and arch villains in the course of his 40-year acting career. He has now directed a second film, A Little Chaos, set in 17th century France.

Ivan Rakitic of Barcelona (L) celebrates scoring the opening goal with team-mates Neymar and Luis Suarez during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match against Manchester City at Camp Nou on March 18, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain.